AMP Plus, Inc. d/b/a ELCO Lighting Sues Nora Lighting, Inc. over Patent Dispute
On October 1, 2024, AMP Plus, Inc., operating as ELCO Lighting, filed a patent infringement suit in the United States District Court for the Central District of California against Nora Lighting, Inc. ELCO Lighting claims that Nora has willfully infringed upon U.S. Patent No. 11,092,326, titled “Integrated Lighting Module,” which was issued to inventor Brandon Cohen on 17 August 2021.
The Core Dispute
ELCO Lighting, a California-based company that designs, imports, and sells lighting fixtures, asserts that Nora Lighting, also headquartered in California, has infringed on its patent rights by selling products that are covered by the ‘326 Patent. The patent, which details an integrated lighting module, includes components such as a driver housing, heat sink, light emitting diode (LED) element, and an optical reflector.
The crux of ELCO’s claim lies in the accusation that Nora Lighting’s “Pearl LED Retrofit Series LED Downlights” directly infringe upon ELCO’s patented technology. Specific Nora products named in the complaint include multiple series models, such as NPR-4RC, NPR-4RG, NPR-4SNDC, and NPR-56RNDC, among others.
Jurisdiction and Venue
ELCO argues that the Central District of California is the appropriate venue for this lawsuit, as Nora Lighting operates within the district and has allegedly committed infringing activities there. ELCO asserts that Nora Lighting has a regular and established place of business within the district, further justifying the legal action within this jurisdiction.
Timeline of Infringement Allegations
The conflict between the two lighting companies began over three years ago when ELCO first notified Nora on 10 September 2021, of the alleged patent infringement. According to ELCO, despite receiving a cease-and-desist letter, Nora has continued to market and sell the infringing products, prompting ELCO to take legal action.
After ELCO’s initial notice, Nora Lighting requested further clarification of the infringement claims in a letter dated 17 September 2021. ELCO provided additional documentation, including a claim chart, in a follow-up cease-and-desist letter sent to Nora’s sales representatives on 11 November 2021. Nora responded on November 18, 2021, but maintained its position that the products do not infringe on the ‘326 Patent.
In February 2022, Nora attempted to challenge the validity of ELCO’s patent, asserting that it was invalid and threatening to file for Post-Grant Review (PGR). However, ELCO did not provide a covenant not to assert the patent, and Nora ultimately failed to file the petition within the nine-month statutory period allowed for PGR.
ELCO’s Legal Claims
In its complaint, ELCO accuses Nora of both direct and indirect patent infringement. The company alleges that Nora Lighting’s actions not only violate 35 U.S.C. §§ 271(a) through (c) by manufacturing and selling infringing products but also contribute to and induce patent infringement by its customers. ELCO emphasizes that the Nora products in question embody key elements of the ‘326 Patent, including the integrated lighting module’s driver housing, heat sink, and optical reflector.
ELCO contends that Nora’s infringement has been willful and intentional, citing the multiple cease-and-desist notices and ongoing sales of the products in question. Additionally, ELCO argues that Nora has profited from its unauthorized use of the patented technology, causing significant damages to ELCO.
Relief Sought by ELCO
ELCO is seeking several forms of relief from the court, including:
- A judgment that Nora has infringed upon the ‘326 Patent.
- A permanent injunction preventing Nora from further infringing upon the patent.
- Treble damages for willful infringement under 35 U.S.C. § 284.
- An award of attorneys’ fees, expert fees, and other related costs under 35 U.S.C. § 285.
- Any other relief deemed appropriate by the court.
Jury Trial Demand
ELCO has also demanded a jury trial to resolve the issues of infringement, damages, and any other triable matters. The case is expected to proceed through the court system, with both parties preparing for litigation.
Read the lawsuit here.